A mathematical model for carbon fixation and nutrient removal by an algal photobioreactor

The model was validated using experimental data on the Cv species growth in an externally illuminated photobioreactor (PBR). The fitted parameters of the model were found to be in good agreement with experimental data obtained over the range of cultivation conditions explored. The mathematical model accurately reproduced the dynamic profiles of the algal biomass and nutrient (TN and TP) concentrations, and light attenuation at different input Cc,g values. The proposed model may therefore be used for predicting algal growth and nutrient RE for this algal species, permitting both process optimization and scale-up.